Value Assumption Exercises

In each of the following passages, a general value assumption must be added as an extra premise to make the argument valid. Supply the unstated assumption.

Example:

Mrs. Montez's new refrigerator was delivered yesterday, and it stopped working altogether. She has followed the directions carefully but still can't make it work. The people she bought it from should either come out and make it work or replace it with another one.

Assumption:

People should make certain that the things they sell are in proper working order.

1. After borrowing Morey's car, Leo had an accident and crumpled a fender. So, Leo ought to pay whatever expenses were involved in getting Morey's car fixed.

Assumption: Morey should never loan anyone his car from the first place .

When Sarah bought the lawn mower from Jean, she promised to pay another fifty dollars on the first of the month. Since it is now the first, Sarah should pay Jean the money.

Assumption: She shouldn't made her promised from the first place .

Kevin worked on his sister's car all weekend. The least she could do is let him borrow the car for his job interview next Thursday.

Assumption: He will return back the car to his sister .

Harold is obligated to supply ten cords of firewood to the lodge by the beginning of October, since he signed a contract guaranteeing delivery of the wood by that date.

Assumption: He might be able to complete the task .
Since it was revealed yesterday on the news that Mayor Smith has been taking bribes, he should step down any day now.

Assumption: He will turn in his resignation letter .

As a political candidate, Havenhurst promised to put an end to crime in the inner city. Now that he is in office, we would like to see results.

Assumption: He might do what he had promised before he is in office .

Since he has committed his third felony, he should automatically go to prison for twenty-five years.

Assumption: He will hard a tough time of finding himself a job .

Laura's priest has advised Laura and her husband not to sign up for the in vitro fertilization program at the hospital because such treatments are unnatural.

Assumption: Laura and her husband will seek for surrogacy.

Ali has been working overtime a lot lately, so he should receive a bonus. Assumption: He might get promote to a high level .

It is true there are more voters in the northern part of the state. But that shouldn't allow the north to dictate the south.

Assumption: More voters are in the northern than in the south.